Morecambe Poetry Festival

A host of world class names have been announced for Morecambe Poetry Festival back for a second year after winning plaudits from poets and audiences alike for its inaugural event.

Taking place at Morecambe Winter Gardens across three days, the festival features a packed bill of acclaimed poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Roger McGough, Jackie Kay, Brian Bilston, Henry Normal, Attila the Stockbroker and John Hegley.

As well as a festival pass giving access to the whole programme, ticket are on sale for featured events including:

Friday 22 September: A double bill from two of the most acclaimed poets in the UK today - Brian Bilston and Henry Normal.

Saturday 23 September: Fresh off the boards from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, nation's favourite John Hegley returns to Morecambe with a brand new slice of surrealist verse.

Saturday 23 September: Poet, performer and broadcaster, Roger McGough - who has published over 100 poetry books for adults and children - along with Gerry Potter and Jackie Hagan

Sunday 24 September: Two of the leading lights in UK literature - Carol Ann Duffy and Jackie Kay - share a stage.

Last year's event succeeded in putting Morecambe on the poetry map and attracted the attention of the T.S. Eliot Foundation - which has come on board with funding for five years.

This year, the festival is working with poetry organisation Big White Shed to offer poetry and performance workshops to the local community in the run up to the event to help fledgling writers prepare material and hone performance skills.

New for this year will also be a showcase of poetry nights from across the UK to give a snapshot of the UK scene.

Matt added: "There's all sorts of wonderful people enabling poets to perform in unique set ups and I want to give the festival audience a flavour of all the vibrant work going on around the country."

The Morecambe Poetry Festival takes place at the Winter Gardens and will present the most exciting, vibrant spoken word being produced today in the UK.